Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2016

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to scheduling issues for a videoconference hearing. The specific claims of service connection and evaluation remain pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus, kidney disorder, and hypertension are related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The claims for high cholesterol and erectile dysfunction have been withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims to reopen service connection for diabetes mellitus and hypertension due to lack of new and material evidence, as the previous denial was based on a lack of evidence showing in-service injury or disease, Vietnam-era service, herbicide exposure, or manifestation within one year post-service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for CVA and hypertension, as well as service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD. The claim to reopen the issue of service connection for PTSD was also denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's GERD, IBS, ED, and hypertension are secondary to his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to inadequate opinion and missing records. The Veteran's hypertension is being evaluated in relation to service-connected sleep apnea.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for diabetes mellitus and hypertension due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran, which suggests a possible link between prescribed mental health medications and diet issues.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of hypertension as defined by VA, and therefore cannot establish service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal was denied on all issues related to his service-connected conditions, with no new evidence provided that would warrant reopening the claims.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals regarding her claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and headaches, as well as her claim for an increased rating for residuals of a right ear injury. The effective date for the grant of Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits was granted but not earlier than June 26, 2015.

The Board has found that further development is needed for VA to fulfill its duties under the VCAA. The Veteran's claims of service connection for a back disability and hypertension, as well as his claim regarding the rating for PTSD, are being remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, claimed as secondary to his service-connected generalized anxiety disorder and vertigo, is being remanded due to the need for an updated VA medical opinion regarding the etiology of his diagnosed hypertension.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diverticulosis, hypertension, a psychiatric disorder, GERD, and H. Pylori as there is no evidence of their onset or continuity in service.

The Board has ordered additional development due to missing VA treatment records. The Veteran's hypertension and right eye disability claims are being reviewed again.

The Board finds that the Veteran's hypertension is aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II. The claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is denied as there is no evidence linking it to service or any related conditions.

The Board has found that the Veteran's hypertension is not related to his active service and thus denied his claim for service connection. However, a new VA examination is required as the previous opinions are incomplete.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for higher schedular ratings for her right knee disability, radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, and degenerative disc disease and facet arthropathy of the lumbar spine. The Veteran's hypertension was not service-connected.

The Board has remanded the case for a video hearing due to the Veteran's request.

The Veteran's hypertension, ankle disorder, and low back disorder are all found to be related to service. The Board grants these claims.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for prostate cancer was denied. His claims for increased evaluations of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, type II, and seborrheic keratosis are pending.